A post on makers Love Productions’ website invites bakers who are “crazy about croissants” or “passionate about pies” to apply before January 8.

Under the terms of the contract we should get Christmas Bake Off on the BBC and then nothing in 2017 except a celebrity version for Stand Up To Cancer on Channel 4. The Beeb could take legal action if Channel 4 tries to screen a new series next autumn.

Our BBC source said: “It looks like Channel 4 are testing the water but rules are rules.”